API and IPAA Statement for the Record to BLM's Planning 2.0 Initiative (June 21, 2016)

API and IPAA issued the joint letter to note our concern that a process redesigned by the Proposed Planning Rule would disfavor multiple use interests, including the development of oil and natural gas resources on public lands, by potentially subjecting each step in the process to a new round of objections by parties committed to opposition of resource development. The overhauled resource management planning process that the Proposed Planning Rule envisions would lead to regulatory and legal uncertainty, delays, and costs.

This statement has been sent for inclusion in the docket for the subcommittee’s consideration.

Additional roadblocks to domestic energy development could stifle America’s emergence as a global energy leader, which has fundamentally reordered the world’s energy markets. This unique American moment is the result primarily of American ingenuity and technological advancements in hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling. Hydraulic fracturing has allowed us to drill our way to reduced GHG emissions, reduced criteria pollutants, and reduced reliance on imported energy.

This “energy renaissance” has resulted in cost savings for American consumers and good paying jobs here at home; provided renewed opportunities for the U.S. manufacturing sector; and strengthened our economy and strategic alliances abroad. In the Western states where most of the government-held mineral estate is found, the share of the energy renaissance from BLM-managed lands has proven to be a major benefit to state and regional economies, and an important contributor to our national energy security.